2017 hair (and body) care favorites: Bumble & Bumble, Christophe Robin, and more
Written By Jenny Wu on
I don’t have the best luck when it comes to hair care products. Of the countless products I’ve tried to date (and that’s a lot), only a few have really stood out for me and made me go WOW in a good way. By the end of 2017, I’ve finally discovered enough great products to put together my first annual (albeit 1-month-late) hair care favorites roundup!
Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil
First of all, this smells amazing – sweet but not overbearing. Next, it’s light yet incredibly nourishing, meaning it smoothes and shines without weighing down my fine hair. Let’s keep the greasy hair look in the 80’s along with all the tragic fashion choices of the decade. Anyways, what I mean to say is that this oil is amazing and imo, much better than the Macadamia Healing Oil (old favorite) and Moroccanoil Treatment.
You also can read my full review here.
$40 for 3.4oz/100ml at Sephora, Net-a-Porter →
Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer
I love how multipurpose this is. It detangles, smoothes, heat protects, and UV protects! Unlike other heat protectants, this one doesn’t leave my hair crunchy or stringy, just soft and smooth as if I didn’t just burn it with a 300° rod. It also has the same yummy scent as the oil, but a tad fainter. This is a must have whenever I blow dry or heat style, as well as a travel essential due to its versatility.
Colorproof WickedGood Weightless Shine Spray*
I will say the B&B Finishing Spray came very close, but this one won due to the insane shine it gives with just a few spritz. And not to sound 10, but it smells like grape soda! Definitely spray this sparingly as too much can make your hair look oily. But like I said, just a few sprays is really all you need for smooth lustrous locks.
Sachajuan Hair Repair
I’ve never been so in awe of a hair mask…until this. While it feels very light, more like a conditioner than a mask, it left my hair soooo friggin soft and smooth after blow drying that I didn’t even need the above shine spray. My hair was at its peak condition when I used this, and now that it’s gone I really miss it. I’m not a fan of the smaller bottle though, it reminds me of those unfortunate ketchup bottles where you had to slap the bottom until your hands were raw only to get 2 drops of product. Granted this only happened when it was almost empty, but I’m definitely going with the larger pump dispenser next time.
← $30 for 250ml on Beautylish, $28 on CultBeauty, $33 on Dermstore
(Dermstore has frequent 20-30% sales, so buy this then!)
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub
This is such a wonderful deep cleaning shampoo. It has sea salt to help gently exfoliate the scalp (just don’t rub too hard) and my scalp and hair always feels so fresh and fluffy afterwards! Now this does contain SLS so I would definitely it to a weekly or even bi-weekly treatment depending on how oily your roots get or how much products you use in your hair. It’s a bit pricey, but honestly the tub will last you forever…I’ve had mine for 1+ year!
$53 for 8.33oz at Sephora, Space NK or $19 for 2.7oz at Sephora →
Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste*
Most volumnizing shampoos contain SLS and leave my hair straw dry, but this one does neither. It has a goopy texture, lathers beautifully, and gives me volume without stripping my strands dry. It’s also great for oily scalps as it contains rassoul clay to absorb the oil while rose water and baobab extract soothe and protect the skin. Now scooping a blob of this out of a jar isn’t the most elegant experience, but I imagine it’d be quite hard to squeeze this out of a tube as the texture is quite thick. Nonetheless, it works, my hair is happy, and I’m happy.
← $53 for 8.5oz/250ml at Sephora, Look Fantastic
Flora Remedia Lavender Hair Oil*
I’m a big scalp oil fan ever since my hair stylist in Taiwan told me all about their benefits, and this one by Flora Remedia is the best one I’ve tried to date. It contains some great oils to soothe the scalp and stimulate hair growth, and I always notice less hair in my showers drains whenever I’ve used this! It also has a calming lavender scent, so massaging this into your scalp becomes an extra-therapeutic experience (or at least for me).
$40 for 100ml at Free People or $30.99 from Flora Remedia →
Live Botanical Oceania Body Cream*
So I already did a body care favorites post a while ago, but then this gem came into my life and knocked my socks off. It’s made of rich shea butter, coconut oil, and the most delicious blend of essential oils, which makes this more like a balm than a traditional body cream as there are no emulsifiers. How a “green” product can smell like lemon meringue pie, I’ll never know but I’m all for it. Plus it feels so luxurious on the skin. Imagine the most lovely balm or oil you’ve applied to your face, except now it’s on your body. Literally an orgasm for the nose and skin if there ever was one. Also, its ingredients are about as clean as body care products get, many of which are organic. So much win in one lovely jar.
For those who prefer a more grounded or herbal scent, they have the NW Rainforest Body Cream, which sounds equally as lovely!
← $28 for 4oz or $12 for 1oz at Live Botanical
As you can see, this isn’t a long list like my previous 2017 favorites, and that’s because I’d like to keep my hair care routine as low maintenance as possible. I already spend so much on skincare so something else has got to give right? It helps that I don’t use, or really know how to use, any styling products as those can really add up. I suppose adding a dry shampoo and hair spray in my collection wouldn’t hurt, but this girl is too lazy so if you have any recommendations do let me know!
Now in addition to my favorites, I also want to share some duds I came across this past year, because lbr, negative reviews are 100x more fun to write. Presenting…
Disappointing hair products of 2017
Not to talk trash about any of these brands, but these products just didn’t work out for me, and that’s life for you.
- Nioxin 4 Set for thinning hair – I already hated on the scalp treatment in my last empties, but I just want to add that the shampoo and conditioner blows just as much ass. They did absolutely nothing for my hair, though I will say, the mint chocolate chip scent is nice but that’s about it.
- ColorProof BioRepair-8 Stem Cell Scalp Serum* – Ugh what a tease, though I should know better when a product claims to use stem cells…that’s NOT how stem cells work people! Anyways, this also did absolutely nothing in terms of hair growth and I feel like my scalp actually became unbalanced over the course of using this! Sad.
- L’Oréal Elvive Color Vibrancy Repair and Protect Balm* – I had hoped this would revive my love for drugstore products, but nope. Another classic case of doing the absolute least, my hair felt like I didn’t use a conditioner or mask at all. Someone recommended using this as a shaving cream instead, so I’ll probably do that. At least I’ll have some shiny ass leg hair?
I feel like there should be more disappointments, but I think many were samples that I tossed after one use. Out of sight, out of mind right? Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this post and let me know what hair care products you’re currently loving!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Stephanie | theFantasia.com
Girl, your review of the Bumble & Bumble hairdresser's product is making me want to go out and buy bottles of these! I tried a sample once but wasn't too impressed so maybe I need to be on a lookout for this!
Stephanie | theFantasia.com
monica
I really want to try Bumble & Bumble. heard so many great things!
http://villemo20.blogspot.com
Alyssa
I have violet hair so the products I use are limited, I prefer to use those with protein and "hair repair" on the label. And that Sachajuan Hair Repair sounds amazing, I'll check it in Cult Beauty :) I don't use hair oils because it strips off the color and then stain my hands XD
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Linda Libra Loca
Hair care is the part of beauty that I neglect the most. It takes me forever to go through a product, nothing ever really excites me... I guess I just want effortless hair that looks semi-decent, but haven´t found the products to achieve that yet.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
Laura @laurantaina
I think I have a mini size of that Sachuan conditioner, but I haven't noticed anything particular on me. I'm currently using the OUAI repair shampoos and I didn't think much of them either, but after using them long enough I've noticed how my hair is super thick, healthy and shiny. I will probably invest in them in the future.. But I might try that B&B hair oil instead of OUAI, as I've seen it popping up in many recommendations lately! And gosh, my hair need some oil!
xx Laura / Laurantaina Beauty Blog
Caitlin
I'm really trying to take better care for my hair.
||Caitlin|| http://caitlinpaigexox.blogspot.co.uk
leah and rachel
I love taking care of my hair and I must have thousands of hair care products! I've always wanted to try bumble and bumble products but never got around to it!
Cyber Mermaids | Alternative beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog
Sam
I've read in a few places that the guy who founded Sachajuan says if he could only pick one item it would be the leave in conditioner, so I definitely want to check that out! I've heard really good stuff about the products in their line though, it's just so pricey rn, lol. Once I finish my current set up (Kristin Ess) I'm actually planning to dye my hair red, so I'll need some red shampoo, instead of the normal stuff!
Sam / My Beauty Cloud
Sal UmmBaby
Ooh I have a deluxe size sample of the Christophe Robin volumising clay and I have an oily scalp so I can't wait to give it a go. I really enjoy the primer oil spray too and need to purchase a full size soon xxx
Mica
I haven't heard of many of these brands although I find people do speak highly of bumble & bumble just like you have! :) I need to try look into something more moisturising, like a hair mask, for my hair.
Hope that you are having a good week :) It's Australia day today, so a public holiday which is nice :)
Away From The Blue Blog
A Very Sweet Blog
I'm still trying to find my hair's holy grail product! LOL Saving this post Jen, because these all sound really good.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Shireen
Have you tried Sachajuan shampoo and conditioner? I am tempted to buy but the price makes me hesitant, I wish I could score samples first.
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Jenny
I haven't! I was curious though, but I remember they all had SLS which kinda turned me off ????
Shireen
Yikes! Do they? I had no idea! I'll check and if they do then no go for me. I have gone SLS free for almost a year and the irritation on my scalp is gone for good.
Ms Tantrum
I do like the scalp shampoo from them but I would love to know your and Jenny's picks for SLS free hair shampoos and treatments. I have dry scalp in general and can be itchy at times specially due to cold weather. I love Christophe robin products but the price makes me think twice before buying.
Jenny
The Christophe Robin volumizing paste is SLS free, and is lovely for volume if you don't mind the slight mess when getting it out of the tube ???? The price is high but their products always last me a while since it takes very little product to create a nice lather! All other hair treatments I use are SLS free, I think the only one with sls in this list is the CR scrub which I use very sparingly.
Cat L
One of my goals for 2018 is to take better care of my hair so this post is so helpful!
Love using hair oils and the Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil sounds like something I would enjoy. Will probably pick it up during the Sephora Sale in April. As you know I am a big fan of Christophe Robin products and love both shampoos you mention. I use the Sea Salt Scrub every two weeks and have noticed a difference in how my scalp feels. Great roundup Jenny, thank you for sharing this post!
~ Cat L.
www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Gabrielle
I've seen a few people now mention how gorgeous the scents are of products by Bumble & Bumble - I'll have to try for myself sometime soon! Also adoring the packaging of Live Botanical's Oceania Body Cream, swoon...
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Rowena @ rolala loves
I got my husband the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub and it's been great for treating the oiliness in his scalp. I haven't tried it myself though. I've been alternating between Alterna and Aveda hair care products myself. It takes me forever to get through anything since I only wash my hair 2x week which seems to work best in maintaining it's health though I'm also a little lazy and hate washing my hair because it takes forever to dry. My favorite hair product is actually a tool. The Dyson Supersonic hairdryer has been such a game changer in cutting down the amount of time it takes for my husband and i to dry our hair ;p
Emily
My boyfriend uses the Nioxin for men I think. He loves it! I didn't know that they made something for women. That sucks that it sucks though, because I'd be interested in trying it since I feel like my hair is always bottom heavy and so thin towards the top. I would love to try the Sachajuan Hair Repair. That sounds right up my alley in terms of what my hair needs at the moment! Currently I'm using Living Proof which I've been loving. :)
-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
Mercy
So many amazing hair products, I need the invisible oil to save my hair.
www.busyandfab.com
sonia de macedo // daring coco
I'm having difficulty with hair products too. My latest purchase was the volume shampoo by Ouai and while it's ok, I can't handle the perfume scent. It reminds me and makes me feel like an old lady in the 90's hahaha! It's really strong and I'm not sure I'll buy it again. I wouldn't mind trying that Christopher Robin volume one next though.
Sxx
daringcoco.com
Frankly Flawless
I really like the idea of using a scrub on the hair - it sounds like the perfect remedy for the scalp. x
franklyflawless.com
Sonia / Chanel
That Christophe Robin scrub is my everything Jenny. I need to buy another sample! P.S. I know I say this all the time but your website is so cool. I love the way this page is organized. So unique and thoughtful!
x,
S | Je M'appelle Chanel
Becky
I fluffin' love the b&b invisible oil! I don't need a ton for it to work its magic, either. I have a little sample of the ouai rose hair and body oil and I noticed I needed to use 3 or 4 pumps of that, versus the 1 or 2 for b&b.
Evvvveryone seems to love the sachajuan hair repair mask! My sister had a bottle and she really loved it, too - she bleached her hair to a platinum blonde and she swore by using it as an overnight treatment.
becky @ star violet
Jennifer | MrsQBeauty
I didn't really dive into haircare products until last year. I need to try more.
Jennifer | Mrs Q Beauty
Womanengineer
My hair has been thinning and maybe I'm losing hair permanently so I don't know if I should bother with hair care products anymore. I have hormonal hair thinning, it's a genetics thing I hear. Do you have anything to recommend? The only thing I'm doing now is washing it with warm water to prevent the scalp from drying out...
As for body cream, I will have to try out your recommendation. I'm running out of the Brazillian Bum Bum one and it really isn't doing anything besides keeping my room smelling good. Do you use a body scrub? I've been using the St. Ive's peach scrub and I THINK the stretch marks are going away, it could be my imaginations.
Katherine| Womanengineer.com
Sam Hodgett
I'm the worst when it comes to hair care and it is something i should really get more into this year. Great options in your post, will have a look into these
Sam Hodgett || Beauty & Lifestyle
little luxury list
Ahh I need scalp oil in my life! I was recently wondering how to moisturize my scalp without weighing it down. I'm also suffering postpartum "so much hair comes out it creates another person" so I'm all about minimizing hair loss. The Sacahajuan hair mask and Bumble oil primer sound like pretty winning products too!